Anis Hadj Moussa has expressed his frustration with Feyenoord after the Dutch club refused to sanction his move to Ittihad Club, despite what the winger claims was a prior agreement to allow his departure this summer. According to De Telegraaf, the Eredivisie side's technical director Dévy Rigaux is blocking a lucrative transfer package worth approximately €40 million from the Saudi Arabian club.
The Broken Promise
Hadj Moussa had reached an understanding with Feyenoord's previous hierarchy that he would be permitted to leave after committing to stay for the 2024-25 season. That earlier agreement came after a failed transfer to Benfica fell through. To secure his commitment, Feyenoord extended his contract with significant financial improvements and elevated him to one of the club's three captains. The winger kept his side of the bargain, contributing throughout the campaign in the top Dutch division.
However, the arrival of new general director Robert Eenhoorn and technical director Rigaux at the start of summer has altered the landscape. Rigaux, who was not party to the original conversations with Hadj Moussa, has shown no inclination to honour the previous understanding. De Telegraaf reported that "the new board apparently has no regard for the earlier promises made to Hadj Moussa."
Time Running Out
The situation has created a standoff as the Saudi transfer window closes on Sunday evening, leaving minimal time for negotiations. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that discussions are ongoing, though no agreement has materialised. The impasse has already had consequences for Hadj Moussa's involvement with the first team—Feyenoord left him out of their matchday squad for Saturday's fixture against NEC after he arrived late to training on two separate occasions.
Despite the winger's absence, Feyenoord secured a convincing 3-1 victory at De Goffert, with substitute Jerayno Schaken, a 17-year-old debutant, making an impression. The result underscores the club's current direction under the new hierarchy, though the dispute with Hadj Moussa remains unresolved as the transfer deadline approaches.
